Human erythrocyte hemolysis induced by selenium and tellurium compounds increased by GSH or glucose: a possible involvement of reactive oxygen species.

Oxidative stress can induce complex alterations of membrane proteins in red blood cells (RBCs) eventually leading to hemolysis. RBCs represent a good model to investigate the damage induced by oxidizing agents. Literature data have reported that chalcogen compounds can present pro-oxidant properties with potent inhibitory effects on cell growth, causing tissue damage and inhibit a variety of enzymes.

Screening of potentially toxic chalcogens in erythrocytes.

Previous literature reports have demonstrated that a number of human diseases, including inflammation and cancer, can be caused by environmental and occupational exposure to toxic compounds, via DNA damage, protein modifications, or lipid peroxidation. The present study was undertaken to screen the toxicity of a variety of chalcogens using erythrocytes as a model of cell injury. The toxicity of these compounds was evaluated via quantification of hemolysis and lipid peroxidation.